Obstruction! With the ball in possession! (WS game 3)

[Tog Gee]

 

 

Sometimes the obstruction/blocking the plate stuff becomes so confusing for some folks that defensive players WITH THE BALL might be accused of obstruction!

Even Smoltz said "Well, the catcher can block the plate if the throw takes him there..."

 

The catcher had the ball when he moved to block/tag!

 

Edited October 29, 2024 by Tog Gee

[Velho]

Not to mention the throw was from the pitcher so the bar for OBS goes way up

[maven]

4 minutes ago, Velho said:

Not to mention the throw was from the pitcher so the bar for OBS goes way up

It does? Why? Which part of the OBR HP Collision rule are you referencing?

[Velho]

25 minutes ago, maven said:

It does? Why? Which part of the OBR HP Collision rule are you referencing?

[maven]

Sure, but the answer/response to the OP is the first line of the rule: "Unless the catcher is in possession of the ball..." Game over. 

You're right about the rule in general, but it's not really a question of the "bar" going up—it's just not OBS when F2 lacks time to set up properly. I'm not sure quite how that example affects the "legitimate attempt to field the throw" exception, but a case either qualifies as an exception or it doesn't. 

Maybe I'm quibbling, and if so, I apologize. I guess what seems odd about your post referencing F1's throw is akin to someone accused of murder saying: "Look, I've proved that I was out of town that day. Oh, also, I don't even own a gun!" We don't really need the second piece of info, and it's a bit distracting to add it.

[Velho]

40 minutes ago, maven said:

it's just not OBS when F2 lacks time to set up properly

That was my point*. F2 has more leeway in their setup position when the play is coming from the infield. Many of the MLB HP blocking calls are based on the setup.

Also, contrary to how a "legitimate attempt to yield the throw" is generally judged to F2's detriment, we've seen F2s given more leeway on plays originating from infield (wish I had video example handy but I don't).

* Made too flippantly I suppose since I was piling on announcers/online indignationaries talking out their a##)

2 hours ago, maven said:

Maybe I'm quibbling, and if so, I apologize. I guess what seems odd about your post referencing F1's throw is akin to someone accused of murder saying: "Look, I've proved that I was out of town that day. Oh, also, I don't even own a gun!" We don't really need the second piece of info, and it's a bit distracting to add it.

Fair point. I suppose my add-on was "Also, he's a quadruple amputee without any hands or feet! How could he have fired the gun!?!" showing how silly initials arguments for prosecution was. (I guess I'm fulfilling my avatar by imagining the uneducated announcers and masses will see the light).

[Richvee]

He has the ball, then moves to block. Legal. End of story. 
 

Dodgers have made every play, Roberts has handled his bullpen perfectly, they’ve gotten timely hitting, they’re on the verge of sweeping the series, yet Dodger fans have to find something to complain about. Even if they’re 100% wrong  😞🙄